Dubhthach moccu Lughair
Encyclopedia
Dubthach maccu Lugair is a legendary Irish poet and lawyer who supposedly lived at the time of St Patrick
's mission in Ireland and in the reign of Lóegaire mac Néill
, high-king of Ireland. In contrast to the king and his druids, he is said to have readily accepted the new religion. This event has played a major part in Hiberno-Latina and Irish sources as representing the integration of native Irish learning with the Christian faith.
in the barony of Gorey
, County Wicklow
; however, the Ui Enechglaiss did not settle in the area till about a century after Dubhthach's lifetime. The Cenel Lughair were represented by a dynasty of some importance, their seat been Dinn Flatha Ceineoil Lugair on Tara Hill, near Gorey. His father's name was given as Lugaid.
He was alive around the time of the introduction of Christianity
to Ireland
, and is associated with Saint Patrick
(Palladius
?), King Loegaire
of Tara, bishop Fiacc of Sletty
and bishop Erc
of Slane
. He was styled in Patrician hagiography
as ri gfhile (royal poet) and was accorded the status of Chief Ollam of Ireland
in the Annals of the Four Masters
. His nickname was "Dubhtach of the Lake". He is very important in the history of the conversion of Ireland to Christianity for two reasons, primarily because he was the first of the learned poetic and druidic orders to convert from paganism and also because so many of his family supplied saints and churchmen to the church in its early years thus giving it a firm foundation based on learning and social status.
Dubthach may be related to Mo Laisse maccu Lugair, whose feast-day is given as 16 September in the Martyrology of Tallaght
and Félire Óengusso. Both martyrologies state that his church was found among the Uí Fhairchelláin, near Mountrath
, County Laois.
of Sletty, and the jurist
, Erc, at the court of Loegaire when Patrick visited Tara
. O'Reilly's account states-
The descendants of Dubhtach and Fiacc, who the tale says were converted, were blessed by this demonstration of respect. He is at a later date given to been present on the occasion Patrick made Fiacc a bishop.
. A result of this was the revision of the laws of the pagan Irish to bring them in line with Christian values. Dubhtach was one of the nine who revised the laws. What accorded with Christianity was kept, what did not was excised.
. Edward O'Reilly
gives a full account of these in his Irish Writers, XXX sq.; d. anno 433.
. They included Fachtna of Kiltoom
, in the barony of Fore, County Westmeath
, other sons were Trian, Saint Gabhran
, Saint Euhel
, Moninne, Lonan and Saint Molaisse Mac Lugair. His granddaughter, Dediva (also called Editua or Dedi or Deidi or Deighe or Deidiu or Deaga or Mediva), daughter of Trian, was the alleged mother of saints and poets, including Saint Senan of Laraghabrine, son of Fintan, Saint Diarmaid the Just
, son of Lugna, Saint Caillin
, son of Niata, Saint Felim
of Kilmore, son of Carill, Saint Daigh
, son of Carill, Saint Femia, daughter of Carill, St.Manchin
, son of Collan of Corann and Senchán Torpéist
, another Chief Ollam of Ireland
, which latter son is in keeping with the tradition of ollams coming generally from families who had a tradition of producing ollams.
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick was a Romano-Briton and Christian missionary, who is the most generally recognized patron saint of Ireland or the Apostle of Ireland, although Brigid of Kildare and Colmcille are also formally patron saints....
's mission in Ireland and in the reign of Lóegaire mac Néill
Lóegaire mac Néill
Lóegaire , also Lóeguire, is said to have been a son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The Irish annals and king lists include him as a King of Tara or High King of Ireland. He appears as an adversary of Saint Patrick in several hagiographies...
, high-king of Ireland. In contrast to the king and his druids, he is said to have readily accepted the new religion. This event has played a major part in Hiberno-Latina and Irish sources as representing the integration of native Irish learning with the Christian faith.
Background
Dubthach was of the Cenel Lughair, who were a forainmnecha (subject people) of the Ui EnechglaissUí Enechglaiss
The Ui Enechglaiss were a were a dynasty attested in fifth-century Ireland, who provided some of the early kings of Laigin.-Background:The dynasty were initially based on the plains of Kildare around Naas, but were forced east over the Wicklow Mountains by the invasions and conquests by the Ui...
in the barony of Gorey
Gorey
Gorey , is a market town in north County Wexford, Ireland, situated beside the main M11 Dublin to Wexford road. The town is also connected to the railway network along the same route. Local newspapers include the Gorey Guardian and Gorey Echo....
, County Wicklow
County Wicklow
County Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county...
; however, the Ui Enechglaiss did not settle in the area till about a century after Dubhthach's lifetime. The Cenel Lughair were represented by a dynasty of some importance, their seat been Dinn Flatha Ceineoil Lugair on Tara Hill, near Gorey. His father's name was given as Lugaid.
He was alive around the time of the introduction of Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
to Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, and is associated with Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick was a Romano-Briton and Christian missionary, who is the most generally recognized patron saint of Ireland or the Apostle of Ireland, although Brigid of Kildare and Colmcille are also formally patron saints....
(Palladius
Palladius
Palladius was the first Bishop of the Christians of Ireland, preceding Saint Patrick. The Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion consider Palladius a saint.-Armorica:...
?), King Loegaire
Lóegaire
Lóegaire is a given name.Lóegaire is a popular medieval Irish name borne by a number of historical and legendary figures:Notable people bearing this name include:...
of Tara, bishop Fiacc of Sletty
Sletty
Sletty, Sleaty, or Slatey is a civil parish in County Laois, Ireland. It is situated some 2 km north-north-west of the town of Carlow. It was once the see of a great bishopric, founded by Saint Fiacc in the fifth century, but this was later transferred to Leighlin.-Bibliography:* Lewis, S. ...
and bishop Erc
ERC
ERC is Northeast Ohio's largest organization providing Human Resources and workplace programs, practices, training and consulting. ERC also hosts the NorthCoast 99 program and sponsors the ERC Health insurance program. It is not uncommon for the media to quote ERC consultants in their stories when...
of Slane
Slane
Slane is a village in County Meath, in Ireland. The village stands on a steep hillside on the left bank of the River Boyne at the intersection of the N2 and the N51 . In 2006 Slane's population was 1,099, having grown from 823 in 2002. The population of the village and the surrounding rural area...
. He was styled in Patrician hagiography
Hagiography
Hagiography is the study of saints.From the Greek and , it refers literally to writings on the subject of such holy people, and specifically to the biographies of saints and ecclesiastical leaders. The term hagiology, the study of hagiography, is also current in English, though less common...
as ri gfhile (royal poet) and was accorded the status of Chief Ollam of Ireland
Chief Ollam of Ireland
The Ollamh Érenn or Chief Ollam of Ireland was a professional title of Gaelic Ireland.-Background:An ollam was a poet or bard of literature and history. Each chief or tuath had its own ollam...
in the Annals of the Four Masters
Annals of the Four Masters
The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland or the Annals of the Four Masters are a chronicle of medieval Irish history...
. His nickname was "Dubhtach of the Lake". He is very important in the history of the conversion of Ireland to Christianity for two reasons, primarily because he was the first of the learned poetic and druidic orders to convert from paganism and also because so many of his family supplied saints and churchmen to the church in its early years thus giving it a firm foundation based on learning and social status.
Dubthach may be related to Mo Laisse maccu Lugair, whose feast-day is given as 16 September in the Martyrology of Tallaght
Martyrology of Tallaght
The Martyrology of Tallaght, which is closely related to the Félire Oengusso or Martyrology of Óengus the Culdee, is an eighth- or ninth-century martyrology, a list of saints and their feast days assembled by Máel Ruain and/or Óengus the Culdee at Tallaght Monastery, near Dublin...
and Félire Óengusso. Both martyrologies state that his church was found among the Uí Fhairchelláin, near Mountrath
Mountrath
Mountrath is a small town in County Laois, Ireland. Bypassed by the M7 motorway in 2010, the town lies on the R445 midway between Dublin and Limerick, exactly 96.5 km from both cities.In 2006 it had a population of 1,435...
, County Laois.
Hagiographical traditions
Dubhtach is placed by hagiography with his nephew, Saint FiaccSaint Fiacc
Saint Fiacc was a poet, the chief bishop of Leinster, and founder of two churches. His father, MacDara, was prince of the Hy-Bairrche in the country around Carlow, Ireland. His mother was sister of Dubhthach moccu Lughair, the Chief Ollam of Ireland, the first of Patrick's converts at Tara, and...
of Sletty, and the jurist
Jurist
A jurist or jurisconsult is a professional who studies, develops, applies, or otherwise deals with the law. The term is widely used in American English, but in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries it has only historical and specialist usage...
, Erc, at the court of Loegaire when Patrick visited Tara
Tara
-Religions and deities:*Tara , is a tantric meditation deity in Tibetan Buddhism, actually the generic name for a set of similar bodhisattvas*In Hinduism:*Tara , a Mahavidya of Mahadevi, Kali or Parvati...
. O'Reilly's account states-
When St. Patrick had come to Tara and was preaching before King Loegaire, we are told that the only one who rose on the saint's approach and respectfully saluted him was Dubhthach, the king's poet, who was the first to embrace the Christian faith in that place; and as Joceline says, "being baptized and confirmed in the faith, he turned his poetry, which in the flower and prime of his studies he employed in praise of false gods, to a much better use; changing his mind and style, he composed more elegant poems in praise of the Almighty Creator and His holy preachers."
The descendants of Dubhtach and Fiacc, who the tale says were converted, were blessed by this demonstration of respect. He is at a later date given to been present on the occasion Patrick made Fiacc a bishop.
Seanchas Mar
Dubhthach gave a judgement against King Loegaire for killing Patrick's charioteer, Saint OdranSaint Odran
Odran was the charioteer of Saint Patrick and was the first Irish Christian Martyr. He lived about 430.There are two different versions given about Odran’s martyrdom...
. A result of this was the revision of the laws of the pagan Irish to bring them in line with Christian values. Dubhtach was one of the nine who revised the laws. What accorded with Christianity was kept, what did not was excised.
Surviving poems
Four poems ascribed to Dubhtach are extant; one in the Book of Rights, three in the Book of LeinsterBook of Leinster
The Book of Leinster , is a medieval Irish manuscript compiled ca. 1160 and now kept in Trinity College, Dublin, under the shelfmark MS H 2.18...
. Edward O'Reilly
Edward O'Reilly
Edward O'Reilly was an Irish scholar in the first half of the 19th century.His grandfather was Eoghan O'Reilly of Corstown, County Meath. Edward's father moved to Harold's Cross, Dublin, where he practised as an apothecary. Edward was born on 6 December 1765...
gives a full account of these in his Irish Writers, XXX sq.; d. anno 433.
Descendants
Dubhtach was in a later tradition made a prospective husband for Saint Brigit. She declined him, but helped him find a bride. He is given as the father of several sons, all saints and founders of churches, mainly in LeinsterLeinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
. They included Fachtna of Kiltoom
Fachtna of Kiltoom
Fachtna of Kiltoom in the barony of Fore, County Westmeath was an Irish Christian saint who lived about 460. His father was Dubhthach moccu Lughair, the Chief Ollam of Ireland. Fachtna’s brothers were all saints and founders of churches, mainly in Leinster...
, in the barony of Fore, County Westmeath
County Westmeath
-Economy:Westmeath has a strong agricultural economy. Initially, development occurred around the major market centres of Mullingar, Moate, and Kinnegad. Athlone developed due to its military significance, and its strategic location on the main Dublin–Galway route across the River Shannon. Mullingar...
, other sons were Trian, Saint Gabhran
Saint Gabhran
-Biography:Gabhran was an Irish Christian saint who lived about 460 AD. His father was Dubhthach moccu Lughair, the Chief Ollam of Ireland. Gabhran’s brothers were all saints and founders of churches, mainly in Leinster...
, Saint Euhel
Saint Euhel
-Biography:Euhel was an Irish Christian saint who lived about 460 AD. His father was Dubhthach moccu Lughair, the Chief Ollam of Ireland. Gabhran’s brothers were all saints and founders of churches, mainly in Leinster...
, Moninne, Lonan and Saint Molaisse Mac Lugair. His granddaughter, Dediva (also called Editua or Dedi or Deidi or Deighe or Deidiu or Deaga or Mediva), daughter of Trian, was the alleged mother of saints and poets, including Saint Senan of Laraghabrine, son of Fintan, Saint Diarmaid the Just
Diarmaid the Just
Saint Diarmaid the Just was a Catholic Abbot of Inis Clothrann , Lough Ree, County Longford & of Faughalstown, County Westmeath and a famous Irish confessor of the late-sixth century.He was of princely origin as he was 7th in descent from Nath Í, King of Ireland who died 428...
, son of Lugna, Saint Caillin
Saint Caillin
Saint Caillin, Irish medieval saint and monastic founder, fl. 6th century.-Background:The patron saint of Fenagh, County Leitrim, Caillin was born in the 6th century and founded a famous monastic settlement at Fenagh. He...
, son of Niata, Saint Felim
Saint Felim
Saint Felim , an Irish Christian hermit and priest, was born, probably in Kiennacta Breagh, County Meath in the mid sixth century....
of Kilmore, son of Carill, Saint Daigh
Daigh
Saint Daig was an Irish Christian bishop and confessor of Inis-Caoin-Deagha , who lived towards the end of the 6th century. His name in Gaelic means "A great flame" and he was probably named after his mother Deighe....
, son of Carill, Saint Femia, daughter of Carill, St.Manchin
Manchin
Mainchín mac Colláin was an Irish saint in Corran who is supposed to have flourished in the late 5th or 6th century.He is commemorated on 13 January in the Martyrology of Tallaght, the Martyrology of Gorman and the Martyrology of Donegal. The Martyrology of Donegal compiled by Micheál Ó Cléírigh in...
, son of Collan of Corann and Senchán Torpéist
Senchán Torpéist
Senchán Torpéist, Gaelic-Irish poet of Ireland, -Background:Seanchan Torpest was the Chief Poet of Connacht in 598 AD when he succeeded Dallán Forgaill as Chief Ollam of Ireland...
, another Chief Ollam of Ireland
Chief Ollam of Ireland
The Ollamh Érenn or Chief Ollam of Ireland was a professional title of Gaelic Ireland.-Background:An ollam was a poet or bard of literature and history. Each chief or tuath had its own ollam...
, which latter son is in keeping with the tradition of ollams coming generally from families who had a tradition of producing ollams.
Secondary sources
- Irish writers, Edward O'Reily
- Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century,
- Dictionary of Irish Biography, pp. 494–95, Cambridge, 2009.
Primary sources
- Muirchú,Vita S. Patricii (The Life of St Patrick), ed. Bieler
- Córus Béscnai, ed.
- Tripartite Life of St Patrick
- Pseudo-historical prologue to the Senchas Már
- First Life of St Brigit